Miami-Dade schools pick Blackboard for communications solution

Sun, 2014-05-18 09:21 PM

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) has selected Blackboard to enhance district-wide advanced mass notification capabilities. Blackboard works with some of the largest school districts in the country including the Los Angeles Unified School District and Chicago Public Schools.

Following an evaluation process of notification providers, officials cited their selection of Blackboard's student and parent engagement solution due to the company's wide range of innovative products and longstanding experience with providing solutions and services specifically designed for K-12 schools, says Blackboard.

"We are dedicated to offering our community the best in technology and access, and that means making information available on mobile devices," said Alberto Carvalho, superintendent for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. "Our parents and students are not only asking for more access to us, but it is widely known that student outcomes improve when communities are more connected to schools. Using technology helps reduce usage barriers and thereby increases engagement."

The district will be able to instantly send texts, instant messages, emails and voice messages in multiple languages about emergency situations and other school-related information, such as school closings, announcements, weather-related information, and more, to the entire district community in seconds.

"Schools and districts are not driving communication strategies -- students and parents are," said Mark Belles, Blackboard senior vice president. "We are very excited to partner with districts like MDCPS who share our vision of using technology to increase engagement and participation. Having information and resources available at students' fingertips puts more opportunities into their hands."

Washington, D.C.-based Blackboard is a provider of technology and innovative solutions for millions of students and learners around the world every day. Blackboard's solutions allow thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate, and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online, facilitate campus commerce and security, and communicate more effectively with their communities.